Papurana daemeli
Papurana daemeli is a species of "true frog", family Ranidae. It is found in New Guinea, northern Australia, and some smaller islands. It is the only ranid frog found in Australia. In Australia, the species is restricted to the rainforest of northern Queensland and the eastern border of Arnhem Land, in the Northern Territory. In Australia, it is usually known as wood frog or sometimes as water frog. Other vernacular names are Australian wood frog, Australian bullfrog, and Arnhem rana.
Description
Males can grow to and females to in snout–vent length; typical size for Australia are in males and in females. The body is elongated and the limbs are long and muscular. The tympanum is distinct and relatively larger in males than in females. A dorso-lateral skin fold runs from behind the eye to the hindlimb. Skin is smooth or weakly granular. The face mask is not prominent; the dark loreal stripe is often incomplete and the post-ocular stripe is discontinuous and not clearly defined. The dorsum is dark brown above and usually becomes lighter on the sides. Ventral grounds colour varies from dirty white to light straw and is superimposed by some gray clouding.Males have paired, lateral vocal sacs. The male advertisement call is a distinctive, 2–5 note pulsed call. It has been described sounding like duck quacking or exaggerated, sneering laugh. Tadpoles can grow to in total length and have long tails.
Ecology and behaviour
Papurana daemeli is a semi-aquatic species. It occurs in rainforests, seasonally dry monsoon forests, and tropical woodlands, usually in association with permanent bodies of standing or slow-moving water. It can also occur in disturbed habitats, such as rural gardens and urban areas. Individuals usually hide among dense vegetation near water. In New Guinea it has been found up to above sea level. Males call from near water at different times of the year.Papurana daemeli preys upon arthropods and other frogs.